Samsung's Blu-ray players are next to get Netflix

Samsung today has announced two of its existing Blu-ray players, the BD-2500 and BD-2550, can receive a feature upgrade to support the popular Netflix streaming on demand service today.

These are the fourth and fifth devices this year to be granted access to the Netflix streaming library, and follow LG's BD300 as the latest dedicated Blu-ray players to receive the functionality. Both of Samsung's players are currently available for $399.99, roughly the same price as LG's player.

Last month, Samsung UK consumer electronics chief Andy Griffiths expressed his belief that Blu-ray only has about five years of commercial viability left, suggesting that streaming video will be its replacement in the home.

Indeed, there are now enough options for streaming devices from Netflix to satisfy a large part of the consumer spectrum. In addition to the Netflix-enabled Blu-ray players, the company has partnered with Microsoft, giving the functionality to Xbox 360s, a machine in well over 10 million US homes. And the $99 Roku box is a simple and affordable solution for those looking for a dedicated streamer.